McLean | VA
Property Description
Nestled amidst the wooded hills lining the Potomac River, this residence is a Hugh Newell Jacobsen masterpiece and one of the Capital Region’s most prized architectural treasures. A case study in modernist design, the residence has stood the test of time since its conception in 1971. It was recently reimagined as a paradigm of contemporary living through a meticulous 2023 renovation by architect Wouter Boer and builder Alair. Set on nearly ten private acres, the property is both a celebration of Jacobsen’s iconic design language and a showcase of contemporary craftsmanship, seamlessly blending architectural pedigree with modern elegance.
Arrival is marked by newly installed hardscaping, a reimagined driveway, and a sculptural parking port with pavers. In true Jacobsen fashion, the structure retains its original steel framing and hardware, composed of crisp, pavilion-like volumes that appear gently draped over the rolling topography. Expansive panes of glass, now upgraded to high-performance double-pane windows, dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, drawing the surrounding woodland into the home.
A pivoting front door beneath a minimalist entry portico opens to a foyer flanked by dual coat closets. Inside, white oak flooring and hand-applied Vasari plaster walls lend texture, warmth, and refinement to the home’s clean geometries. A transverse gallery runs the length of the home, organizing the floor plan and allowing the living spaces to unfold in deliberate procession.
The central living room, grand in scale and anchored by a minimalist gas fireplace, overlooks a verdant backdrop and flows into a library with an integrated wet bar backed by CLE tile. A discreetly positioned powder room, also finished in Vasari plaster, sits nearby. Connected by a fully glazed corridor, the family room serves as a conversation piece. It features a soaring cathedral ceiling, custom built-ins with marble knobs, and a balcony with glass railings that further blurs the line between indoors and out.
The informal wing includes a spacious casual dining area and an open kitchen by St. Clair, both opening onto a rear patio through multiple glass doors. The kitchen is a functional work of art, with bookmatched Monet marble countertops and a full-slab backsplash precisely aligned for visual continuity. Top-tier appliances by Miele, Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Fisher & Paykel are discreetly integrated to preserve the home’s sense of effortless luxury. A generous mudroom leads to the detached, temperature-controlled two-car garage and additional guest parking.
True to Jacobsen’s philosophy of organizing spaces by function, the private wing is thoughtfully separated for tranquility. The reimagined primary suite features its own HVAC system, a custom dressing room, and a spa-inspired bath clad in Calacatta marble. Once a bedroom, the expanded bath now includes an infrared sauna behind frosted glass, a floating double vanity honed from a single marble block, and a walk-in shower room with exquisite finishes throughout.
Across the gallery, additional accommodations include a secondary suite with a Lacava vanity and two more bedrooms with walk-in closets. These are served by a hallway bath with dual marble vanities and a walnut shower floor. A laundry room with limestone countertops and cement tile flooring is conveniently located nearby.
A fully independent guest house offers complete privacy with its own HVAC system, a full bath with a cast iron tub, and new decking. It is ideal for visitors, staff, or extended family.
New systems discreetly elevate the home to current standards. Six Mitsubishi HVAC units with six-zone climate control, a Navien tankless hot water system, and a whole-home Generac generator ensure comfort and reliability. Integrated technology includes Ketra lighting by Lutron, hidden whole-home audio, automatic blackout shades in all bedrooms, and comprehensive security monitoring.
The park-like grounds, framed by towering trees and open lawns, create a sense of complete seclusion despite the home’s proximity to downtown DC and Tysons. The setting offers a rare tranquility that feels worlds away from the pace of city life.
An architectural statement of enduring significance, this residence is both a living piece of design history and a thoroughly modern estate. A once-in-a-lifetime offering, it represents the rarest confluence of visionary design, masterful renovation, and uncompromising lifestyle.